Joseph Chase, 52, self -taught woodworker and tireless South Bay
community activist died unexpectedly at his home in Gilroy on
Sunday, Jan. 5.
Joseph Chase, 52, self -taught woodworker and tireless South Bay community activist died unexpectedly at his home in Gilroy on Sunday, Jan. 5.
Joe’s many interests ranged from baseball to motorcycles, restoring a 1973 Karmann Ghia to volunteering for numerous groups, particularly anything his children were involved with. He also prided himself on building custom cabinetry for numerous South Bay homes, and challenging the Gilroy City Council on local growth ordinances. He was a member of the Concourse Owners Group, and newly-appointed to the City of Gilroy Agriculture Mitigation Task Force.
In keeping with Joe’s enthusiasm for his family, and community he served on several city task forces and S.O.S. (Save Open Space), seeking responsible growth rather than urban sprawl. He also did “every project imaginable” for local schools, the city and the neighborhood he came to call home. He coached O.M., soccer and baseball teams, and “could build anything” according to neighbors and friends.
Joe was born in Medford, Ore., to Norman Chase Sr. and Florence Peak Chase. His twin sister, Judy, notes they were “just about inseparable” until fifth grade, when the Catholic school they attended put them in different classes thinking “it would keep us out of trouble.” It didn’t work … They were only toddlers when a stove fire burned their home to the ground, and he and six siblings lived with friends and neighbors until the house was reconstructed.
Joe was the “family delegate” to the priesthood, and graduated in a class of 16 from Mt. Angel Benedectine seminary in 1968. Social justice was in the air in the late 1960s, and Joe was active in local causes. He found his niche as a community organizer of service workers, the working poor, and the disabled. It was there that he met his future wife, Christine, and continued working to distribute food and clothing, legal services, medical care and whatever local people could build for themselves and be involved with. Passionate about labor history, he taught classes and set up picket lines, winning over everyone he met with his engaging smile.
When Christine and Joe were married in May of 1984, Joe took a job in a local cabinet shop, having assisted his dad with everything from rebuilding their own home to “removing the studs from snow tires.” He learned the trade, moved on to build custom furniture for several local shops and worked independently for five years. “He can build anything” friends said, from elaborate kitchen cabinets to custom wooden boxes for gifts. One job he held had him making custom boxes for the remains of cremated pets, from recycled redwood.
Never forgetting his families’ struggles to feed seven children on a limited income, Joe and Chris took over SHARE food program after moving to Gilroy, distributing food and scheduling volunteers. He worked tirelessly on their craftsman-style house, designing and building every item of furniture they own, and rebuilding wood windows, and adding his special touch to each project.
The family changed neighborhoods, but he never forgot the strength of people working together. He helped numerous neighbors with everything from cabinetry to laying cement., gardening and neighborhood barbecues.
Joe’s passions have included motorcycling, local politics and family vacations. His first motorcycle was a “very used” Kawasaki police bike. He has been an ardent advocate for motorcycle safety, convinced that motorcycle touring was “the best way for a guy who survived polio with just a little limp” to see backcountry roads. Joe bought a red 2000 Concourse motorcycle 3 years ago and immediately joined with other riders to trade repair tips and touring recommendations, then became editor of the COG newsletter.
“Joe just never met a stranger” says mother-in- law G. A. Hawthorne. “He was instantly friends with everyone he met, and could converse about anything.”
Those who will miss his wonderful smile include his wife of 18 years, Christine, and much-adored children Peter (17) and Sarah (15). He is also parted from his siblings Norman Chase, Jr. of Aloha, Ore., Charlene Grove of White City, Oregon; Michael Chase of Texas, Elizabeth Becker of Salem, Oregon, twin sister Judy Wesemann from Woodburn Oregon and younger brother Thomas from North Bend, Oregon, along with their spouses. He leaves behind 22 nieces and nephews. His many friends, fellow baseball enthusiasts,
neighbors and “riding buddies” will always remember Joe’s spirit – intelligent, hard-working and devoted to his family.
Memorial Services to be held Friday, Jan. 10 at 3 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Gilroy. Friends will also gather for a celebration of his life on Sunday, location to be announced, please contact the family. Donations may be made to a college fund for Peter and Sarah Chase. Inquires may be made at South Valley National Bank in Gilroy. Contributions in his name may also be made to Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 1729, Americus, GA . 31709-9948. Arrangements are by Habing Family Funeral Home, Gilroy.
